Early Symptoms That Might Mean You Are Suffering From Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis or gum disease, is a gum infection that affects the gum soft tissues. If it is left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy the bone supporting a tooth, leading to tooth loss in the end.

Typically, gum disease is treatable, but it is often hard to identify during its early stages without a diagnosis from the doctor. In this blog, we will discuss periodontitis in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist near you in Portland, OR.

5 Early Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease is often characterized by the following symptoms:

Swollen Gums

Typically, gum disease is caused by plaque buildup. The buildup plus the bacteria can irritate the gums, making them tender. With time, the gums can become swollen, which can be a huge indicator you might be suffering from periodontal disease. Furthermore, bacteria can discolor your gums, making them look darker than they look normally.

Receding Gums

When the gum tissues are attacked by bacteria, they start pulling away from the teeth, causing a condition we refer to as receding gums. One way you can identify receding gums is if your teeth look larger than normal.

Bleeding

If your gums are attacked by bacteria, they become so tender that they easily get hurt. That’s why people suffering from gum disease often bleed when they brush or floss their teeth. Therefore, it might mean you have periodontitis if you bleed after flossing or brushing your teeth.

Bad Breath

When the harmful bacteria attack the gum tissues, it kills some cells, and they start smelling bad with time. If you continuously have bad breath even after brushing your teeth, it might be a major sign that you are suffering from periodontitis.

Talk to a dentist in 97214 for a diagnosis to be on the safe side. The earlier the gum disease is diagnosed, the higher the chances of successfully treating it.

Loose Teeth

Eventually, bacteria attack the bone supporting your teeth, making them feel loose. If you notice that your teeth are loose, that’s a sure sign you are suffering from gum disease. Visit the dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment before the affected tooth falls out on its own.

Cause of Periodontal Disease

Plaque buildup is the primary cause of gum disease. That said; there are other factors that contribute to gum disease, which include:

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during menstrual periods, pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can make your gums more sensitive, increasing the risk of developing gingivitis.

Illness

Some infections such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes can affect your immune system. When your immune system is affected, the risk of developing other infections, including periodontitis, increases.

Some Medications

Some medications can affect the production and flow of saliva in your mouth. Your saliva plays a vital role in digestion and neutralizing acids that can cause decay and gum disease.

Smoking

Bad habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco products make it hard for gum tissues to repair themselves when attacked by bacteria. It also masks the signs of periodontal disease, and it can increase the risk of losing a natural tooth to the infection.

Family History of Gum Disease

If you have a history of gum disease or members of your family, have, you are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease.

Poor Oral Hygiene

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, avoid sugary foods, and visit the dentist every six months for cleaning and exams. Failure to that might increase the risk of plaque buildup, leading to gum disease.

Advice from Your Gum Specialist Near You

The good thing is that periodontal disease is preventable. Our dentist near you gives you these tips to help you prevent periodontitis:

• Practice proper oral hygiene
• Visit the dentist every six months for cleaning, exams, and personalized advice.
• Quit bad habits such as smoking tobacco and marijuana.
• Visit the dentist more often if you have risk factors for gum disease.

Laurelhurst Dentistry

Talk to us if you are looking for dentistry in Portland, OR, and let us help you. We can diagnose and treat gum disease. We can also help you prevent yourself from getting it in the first place. Book an appointment now.